Road barrier energy absorber mechanism

ABSTRACT

A road barrier energy absorber system, comprising: an energy absorber unit comprising outer walls with a stiffening element located between the outer walls; wherein the energy absorber unit has a size and shape to be located on at least one side of a road barrier; and wherein upon an impact, the energy absorber unit will absorb, e.g., up to 300 kJ of energy.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an energy absorbing system, andespecially to a road barrier energy absorbing system.

BACKGROUND

Energy absorber systems are typically used in automotive bumpers for thepurpose of absorbing the impact energy generated by a collision. Mainly,the body in white and other components are designed to withstand certainimpact loads to meet regulation requirements. The energy absorbersystems are intended to absorb energy and protect those components fromdamage. Thus, significant engineering and design efforts have focused ondesigning safer and more durable vehicles.

In contrast, the environment in which the vehicle is operated, e.g., thesurrounding infrastructures (such as, road barriers, road dividers, lampposts, parking garage walls and pillars, telephone poles, etc.) aredesigned as inflexible components that can withstand vehicle impact.Hence, they fail to safeguard the vehicle and the occupants during acollision between the vehicle and the infrastructure. Therefore, even ifthe vehicle is designed with all the safety technology, the chances ofdamage to the vehicle still exists in collisions between the vehicle andthe infrastructure.

There is a continuing need to enhance occupant safety and vehicledamageability during a collision with the barriers along the peripheryof the road.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are energy absorber units and road barrier energyabsorber systems comprising such units.

In an embodiment, a road barrier energy absorber system, comprises: anenergy absorber unit comprising outer walls with a stiffening elementlocated between the outer walls; wherein the energy absorber unit has asize and shape to be located on at least one side of a road barrier.

In another embodiment, a road barrier energy absorber system, comprises:a barrier; and an energy absorber unit; wherein the energy absorber unitis located on at least one side of the barrier, and wherein the energyabsorber unit comprises outer walls with a stiffening element locatedbetween the outer walls.

The above described and other features are exemplified by the followingfigures and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Refer now to the figures, which are exemplary embodiments, and whereinthe like elements are numbered alike

FIG. 1 illustrates an energy absorber system, wherein the energyabsorber unit is a single piece covering a barrier;

FIG. 2 illustrates an energy absorber system, wherein the energyabsorber unit is modular covering a barrier;

FIG. 3 illustrates an energy absorber system, wherein the energyabsorber unit is located on one side of a barrier;

FIG. 4 illustrates an energy absorber system, wherein the energyabsorber unit is located on part of one side of a barrier;

FIG. 5 illustrates an energy absorber system, wherein the energyabsorber unit is located on part of one side of a barrier;

FIG. 6 illustrates an energy absorber system, wherein the energyabsorber unit is a single piece covering a barrier;

FIG. 7 illustrates a lock and key connector between a connector pieceand a first unit of an energy absorber unit;

FIG. 8 illustrates a connector pin that connects a connector piece and afirst unit of an energy absorber unit:

FIG. 9 illustrates a diagonal stiffening element;

FIG. 10 illustrates a multilayer stiffening element comprising diagonaland horizontal stiffening elements;

FIG. 11 illustrates overlapping diagonal stiffening elements;

FIG. 12 illustrates a wavy stiffening element;

FIG. 13 illustrates an overlapping wavy stiffening element;

FIG. 14 illustrates a curved stiffening element;

FIG. 15 illustrates a curved stiffening element;

FIG. 16 illustrates a hexagonal stiffening element;

FIG. 17 illustrates a multilayer stiffening element;

FIG. 18 illustrates a multilayer stiffening element;

FIG. 19 illustrates an energy absorber system comprising stiffeningelements;

FIG. 20 illustrates an energy absorber unit with a y-directionstiffening element;

FIG. 21 illustrates an energy absorber unit with a z-directionstiffening element comprising a handle and a reflector;

FIG. 22 illustrates consecutively placed energy absorber units with thesame or different crush abilities;

FIG. 23 illustrates a collision angle between a car and a barrier;

FIG. 24 illustrates the collision between a car and a barrier of Example1;

FIG. 25 illustrates the collision between a car and an energy absorbersystem of Example 1;

FIG. 26 graphically illustrates the changing angle of the collisions ofExample 1;

FIG. 27 illustrates the impact between the impactor and the energyabsorber system of Example 2;

FIG. 28 graphically illustrates the force-displacement graph of Example2; and

FIG. 29 illustrates the deformation region of the energy absorber unitof Example 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are road barrier energy absorber systems (also referredto as energy absorber systems). Compared to traditional barriers, suchas those located in between lanes of oncoming traffic or those locatedon the edge of the road, these road barrier energy absorber systems canreduce damage to the vehicle, and enhance occupant safety, give extrareaction time to the driver to control the vehicle, and/or reduce headinjury to an individual who impacts the barrier (e.g., a motorcyclistwho impacts the barrier after falling). The energy absorber systems canbe used for example for construction sites, traffic channelizing, roadblocks, object protection, wall protection, and pedestrian traffic. Theenergy absorber system can inhibit a vehicle from passing off the road,across the barrier, without rupture, at an impact energy of 300kiloJoules (kJ). In other words, the roadside barrier system can meetthe European impact requirements of EN 1317.2:1998. The energy absorbersystem can comprise a barrier, a road barrier energy absorber unit (alsoreferred to as an energy absorber unit), and an optional cover and/orcoating located on the energy absorber unit. Examples of road barriersystems are illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6, where the road barrier systemscomprise an energy absorber unit 1 and a barrier 2.

The barrier can be a separate element onto which the energy absorberunit is disposed and can be of any shape, thickness, and material thatcan perform the desired function. Specifically, the barrier can comprisematerials such as metal (for example steel), where the metal can be inthe form of a reinforcing bar in the barrier; a composite material (forexample concrete); polymer (such as polyethylene or polycarbonate),where if the barrier comprises polymer, the polymer barrier can befilled with a material such as sand or water; or a combinationcomprising one or more of the foregoing; and combinations comprising atleast one of the forgoing materials. The barrier can be a temporarybarrier or can be stabilized onto the ground, for example a curb.

The energy absorber unit can be placed on a barrier (e.g., a concretebarrier), where the energy absorber can be designed to fit on anexisting barrier so replacement of the barrier is not needed. The energyabsorber unit can cover one or more sides of the barrier as is desiredfor the particular application of the barrier (e.g., its use location)(see FIGS. 1-6). FIG. 1 illustrates that the energy absorber unit can bea single piece that covers more than one side of the barrier. FIG. 2illustrates the energy absorber unit can comprise a first unit 6 and asecond unit 12 located on a first side 4 and second side 10 of thebarrier 2, respectively, where the two units 6,12 are connected by aconnector piece 8. The connector piece 8 and the first unit 6 and/orsecond unit 12 can be connected chemically (e.g. via an adhesive) and/ormechanically (e.g. via a tongue and groove (see FIG. 7), snap fit,attachment mechanism (such as bolt, screws, where the first unit 6 ismolded with a lock groove 20 and the connector piece is molded with akey raising 22 or can be connected via a connector pin 24 as illustratedin FIG. 8). Depending upon the assembly technique, e.g., snap fit oranother reversible process, the connector piece can be easily dismantledand reassembled so that portions of units can be replaced without theneed to replace the whole unit.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate that the energy absorber unit 1 can be located ononly a first side 4 of the barrier 2. FIG. 3 illustrates that the energyabsorber unit 1 can be located along the entirety of the first side 4 ofthe barrier 2, whereas FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate that the energy absorberunit 1 can be located on only a portion of the first side 4 of thebarrier 2.

The energy absorber unit can comprise a stiffening element. FIGS. 9-19illustrate various stiffening element(s), where the stiffening elementcan comprise, for example, a transverse stiffening element, aperpendicular stiffening element, a parallel stiffening element, or acombination comprising one or more of the foregoing. The stiffeningelement can be straight or curved. The transverse and/or perpendicularstiffening elements can extend from one wall of the energy absorber unitto an internal stiffening element such as a parallel stiffening elementlocated in between the two walls and/or from a first wall to a secondwall (e.g., between the outer walls).

The transverse stiffening elements can include a diagonal stiffeningelement 32 (e.g., stiffening elements extending from one wall to theother wall of the energy absorber cross-section at a non-perpendicularangle to the wall of the energy absorber unit, forming triangularsections) (see FIGS. 9-11, 18, and 19). The transverse stiffeningelement can include a wavy stiffening element 36, e.g., formed of sinewaves and/or overlapping sine waves that are off in frequency by half aperiod. (see FIGS. 12-13) The transverse stiffening element can includea curved stiffening element (e.g., stiffening elements extending fromone wall to another wall of the energy absorber cross-section at aperpendicular or a non-perpendicular angle to at least one of the wallsof the energy absorber unit) (see FIGS. 14, 15 and 19)

As is seen in FIGS. 14 and 15, the stiffening elements can arc from oneouter wall to the other outer wall. Optionally, each stiffening elementcan arc in the same direction. Alternatively, arced stiffening elementscan arc in opposite directions, e.g., forming a double truncated eggshape. As is shown in FIG. 15, optionally, between arced stiffeningelements can be a multiple curve stiffening element, e.g., a stiffeningelement that has a single sine wave between extensions that connectperpendicularly with the outer walls. The multicurve stiffening elementcan be located between adjacent arced stiffening elements that arc awayfrom each other, with multicurve stiffening elements optionally absentfrom between arced stiffening elements that arc toward each other as isillustrated in FIG. 15.

FIGS. 17 and 19 illustrate that the perpendicular stiffening element caninclude a straight perpendicular stiffening element such asperpendicular stiffening element 31 that extends in a straight line fromone wall 30 to the other wall 28 of the energy absorber cross-section atan angle perpendicular to the walls 28,30 of the energy absorber unit.Likewise, the perpendicular stiffening element can extend from one wallof the energy absorber unit to an internal stiffening element such as aparallel stiffening element located in between the two walls. Theparallel stiffening element can comprise a parallel stiffening element34 that is located parallel to either or both of the walls 28,30 of theenergy absorber unit (see FIGS. 10 and 17).

Alternatively, or in addition, the stiffening element can comprise ahexagonal stiffening element 33 (honeycombs) (see FIG. 16). Stiffeningelement combinations can also be designed such as those illustrated inFIGS. 17-18.

The opening(s) 40 between the stiffening element and/or the wall canoptionally be filled, e.g., with foam or any other suitable material.Optionally, the stiffening elements(s) can include metal (such as steel)insert(s).

The thickness of the energy absorber unit from a wall 28 to a wall 30(i.e., the outer walls) can be 50 to 150 millimeter (mm) (see FIG. 9).Either or both of the walls of the energy absorber unit can be thickerthan the stiffening elements, e.g., to increase the buckling strength ofouter walls and/or to improve bending stiffness. For example, one orboth of the walls can have a thickness of up to and exceeding 15 mm,specifically, 2 mm to 10 mm, and more specifically, 2 mm to 8 mm, andyet more specifically, 4 mm to 8 mm. The stiffening element can have athickness of up to and exceeding 10 mm, specifically, 2 mm to 10 mm, andmore specifically, 2 mm to 6 mm. Likewise, the stiffening element canhave the same thickness as the outer wall or can have a thickness thatis less than the thickness of the outer wall. The thickness of the walland/or the stiffening element can be different at different locations.

The stiffening element can be the same or different on different sidesof the barrier and can be the same as or different from the stiffeningelement located in the connector piece if present. For example, thefirst unit can comprise one or more layers of diagonal stiffeningelements with a parallel stiffening element located in between saidlayers, the second unit can comprise transverse stiffening elements suchas those in FIG. 12, and the connector piece can comprise perpendicularand/or diagonal stiffening elements. The stiffening element can vary atdifferent locations throughout the energy absorber unit. The stiffeningelement can vary in the z-direction or the y-direction, for example, thestiffening element can comprise diagonal stiffening elements in a regionproximal to the ground and can comprise diagonal and perpendicularstiffening elements in a region proximal to the optional connectorpiece.

The energy absorber unit can comprise one or more reflectors attachedthereon and/or a reflective coating e.g. to enhance visibility of theunit in low visibility situations (e.g. at night). FIG. 15 illustratesan energy absorber unit with a reflector 46 attached on top. Likewise, areflector could be located on one or both sides of the energy absorberunit.

The energy absorber unit can comprise one or more handles. The handlecan be a handle such as the handle 48 illustrated in FIG. 15, where thehandle can be molded as part of the energy absorber unit or can be addedafter formation of the energy absorber unit. Likewise, the handle can bean opening in the energy absorber unit sized such that a hand or liftingelement can be inserted therein.

For roadside barriers, the energy absorber unit can be added on thebarrier to improve the energy absorption for vehicle impact and/or humanimpact. Each road barrier energy absorber unit can be designed for thedesired energy absorption (also referred to as the crush capability).The energy absorber unit can be designed to crush progressively duringimpact while maintaining desired force level. The energy absorber unitcan be designed such that the impact speed to crush the energy absorberunit is greater than or equal to 40 to 50 kilometers per hour (kph) fora car weighing less than or equal to 2,500 kilograms (kg). Likewise, theenergy absorber unit can be designed such that the force to crush theenergy absorber unit is greater than or equal to 500 kiloNewton (kN).The energy absorber unit can be designed such that the energy absorbersystem 60 can help maintain control of a vehicle such as the car 62impacting the energy absorber system 60 at an angle θ that is less thanor equal to 40° (see FIG. 23). The energy absorption ability can bevaried by varying the type and stiffness of the stiffening elementsand/or by adding a filler material.

Multiple energy absorber units can be placed on barriers located next toeach other (i.e. consecutively) on a road (see FIG. 22). The energyabsorption ability of consecutive units can be the same or different,for example the energy absorption ability of energy absorber units 50,52, 54, 56 can be the same or different. For example, the energyabsorption ability of energy absorber units located in regions whereaccidents more frequently occur, such as in a curved region, can behigher than in regions where accidents less frequently occur. The energyabsorber units can be the same or different length (i.e. in thez-direction) as that of the barrier.

The energy absorber unit can attach to the barrier with variousattachment elements. Possible attachments include mechanical elementssuch as bolts, rods, and the like. A local steel insert can be used onthe energy absorber unit to bolt the barrier on the energy absorberunit, e.g., to avoid the creep. The metal (e.g., steel) elements canalso be designed to absorb the energy. Likewise, when the energyabsorber unit is designed such that it covers the barrier such as thatillustrated in either of FIG. 1 or 2, a specific attachment element maynot be necessary. Consecutive energy absorber units can compriseconnectors capable of aligning the units and/or of retaining the unitstogether and/or connecting neighboring units together. The connectorscan be chemical (e.g., adhesive), and/or mechanical (e.g., complementaryprotrusions and grooves, snap fit connections, bolts, rivets, etc.).Depending upon the assembly technique, e.g., snap fit or anotherreversible process, the components of the units can be easily dismantledand reassembled so that portions of units or one or more units in aseries of consecutive units can be replaced.

The energy absorber unit can be modular (for example comprising one ormore sides and an optional connector piece) or can be a single unitarycomponent. The energy absorber unit can be produced using variousforming techniques, depending upon the desired final design of the unitand the limitations of the forming technique. Some possible formingtechniques include molding (e.g., injection molding, compressionmolding, blow molding, structural foam molding, thermoforming, etc.),extrusion, and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoingprocesses.

In structural foam molding, a foaming agent is mixed with the polymerand injected into the cavity. The foaming agent produces a less densecellular core on the center of the part thickness. This process can beused, for example, to enhance stiffness for the same weight of thematerial. An inert foaming gas and/or the gases released from thechemical blowing agent can be used to obtain the cellular core. Theparts produced through this process can exhibit excellent strength toweight ratio. Sometimes as much as 40% weight reduction is possibleusing this process.

Polymeric or composite materials can be used for manufacturing of theenergy absorber unit. Some examples of materials include for example,possible thermoplastic materials such as polybutylene terephthalate(PBT); acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS); polycarbonate (PC) (LEXAN™and LEXAN™ EXL resins, commercially available from SABIC's InnovativePlastics business); polycarbonate/PBT blends; polycarbonate/ABS blends;copolycarbonate-polyesters; acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile (ASA);acrylonitrile-(ethylene-polypropylene diamine modified)-styrene (AES);phenylene ether resins; blends of polyphenylene ether/polyamide (NORYLGTX™ resins, commercially available from SABIC's Innovative Plasticsbusiness); blends of polycarbonate/polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/PBT;polybutylene terephthalate and impact modifier (XENOY™ resins,commercially available from SABIC's Innovative Plastics business);acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile (ASA, GELOY™ resins, commerciallyavailable from SABIC's Innovative Plastics business); polyamides;phenylene sulfide resins; polyvinyl chloride PVC; high impactpolystyrene (HIPS); polyethylene; low/high density polyethylene(L/HDPE); polypropylene (PP) (e.g., reinforced polypropylene; glassfiber reinforced polypropylene; long glass fiber reinforcedpolypropylene); expanded polypropylene (EPP); polyethylene and fibercomposites; polypropylene and fiber composites; long fiber reinforcedthermoplastics (VERTON™ resins, commercially available from SABIC'sInnovative Plastics business) and thermoplastic olefins (TPO), as wellas combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing. For example,the material can be PC/PBT, a polyolefin (e.g., polypropylene such asglass filled polypropylene, long glass fiber polypropylene, etc.) aswell as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing.Particularly useful polymers include polybutylene terephthalate andimpact modifier (XENOY™ resins, commercially available from SABIC'sInnovative Plastics business), polycarbonate (PC) (LEXAN™ and LEXAN™ EXLresins, commercially available from SABIC's Innovative Plasticsbusiness), and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoingresins.

The energy absorber unit can also be made with multimaterial system,e.g., with a weatherable material on an outer side of the energyabsorber unit. For example, the walls of the energy absorber unit cancomprise a material having a ductility of greater than or equal to 40%at temperatures from −40° C. to 120° C. and the stiffening elements cancomprise the same or different material and can form a structure havinga modulus of greater than or equal to 3,000 megaPascals (MPa),specifically 3,000 MPa to 50,000 MPa, and more specifically, 10,000 MPato 50,000 MPa. A weatherable coating can be located on an outer surfaceof the energy absorber unit (e.g., a coating comprising an ultravioletabsorber).

Optionally the energy absorber unit can comprise non-plasticreinforcement. Possible reinforcement include metal, glass, ceramic, andcombinations comprising at least one of the foregoing. The reinforcementcan be in various forms such as fibers, particles, flakes, plates,wires, and so forth, as well as combinations comprising at least one ofthe foregoing.

An exemplary filled resin is STAMAX™ resin, which is a long glass fiberfilled polypropylene resin also commercially available from SABIC'sInnovative Plastics business. Some possible reinforcing materials thatcan be used in any of the above described materials include fibers, suchas glass, carbon, natural, modified natural, modified glass, modifiedcarbon, polymeric, and so forth, as well as combinations comprising atleast one of the foregoing; e.g., long glass fibers and/or long carbonfiber reinforced resins; fillers, such as mineral fillers. The glassfibers and/or carbon fibers can be long or short, or a combinationthereof. Combinations comprising at least one of any of theabove-described materials can also be used.

The energy absorbing unit can optionally be covered with a cover and/ora coating. The cover and/or coating can be aesthetic and/or functional.If the cover and/or coating is functional, it can be a weatherable coverand/or coating and can comprise for example a UV absorber and/or anabrasion resistant additive.

Optionally, a radio frequency identification (RFID), or the like, can beembedded in the structure to obtain and/or retain desired information.

Set forth below are some embodiments of the system disclosed herein.

Embodiment 1

A road barrier energy absorber system, comprising: a barrier; and anenergy absorber unit; wherein the energy absorber unit is located on atleast one side of the barrier, and wherein the energy absorber unitcomprises outer walls with a stiffening element located between theouter walls.

Embodiment 2

The system of Embodiment 1, wherein the energy absorber system caninhibit a vehicle from passing off the road or across the barrier,without rupture, at an impact energy of 300 kiloJoules.

Embodiment 3

The system of any of Embodiments 1-2, wherein the impact speed to crushthe energy absorber unit is greater than or equal to 40 to 50 kilometersper hour for a car weighing 2,500 kilograms.

Embodiment 4

The system of any of Embodiments 1-3, wherein the force to crush theenergy absorber unit is greater than or equal to 500 kiloNewton.

Embodiment 5

A road barrier energy absorber system, comprising: an energy absorberunit comprising outer walls with a stiffening element located betweenthe outer walls; wherein the energy absorber unit has a size and shapeto be located on at least one side of a road barrier.

Embodiment 6

The system of any of Embodiments 1-5, wherein the energy absorber unitis 50 to 150 mm thick.

Embodiment 7

The system of any of Embodiments 1-6, wherein the outer walls eachindependently have a wall thickness and the stiffening element has astiffening element thickness and the wall thickness and/or thestiffening element thickness is 2 to 10 mm.

Embodiment 8

The system of any of Embodiments 1-7, wherein the outer walls eachindependently have a wall thickness and the stiffening element has astiffening element thickness and the wall thickness is greater than orequal to the stiffening element thickness.

Embodiment 9

The system of any of Embodiments 1-8, wherein the stiffening elementcomprises a transverse stiffening element, a perpendicular stiffeningelement, a parallel stiffening element, a hexagonal stiffening element,or a combination comprising one or more of the foregoing.

Embodiment 10

The system of Embodiment 9, wherein energy absorber unit comprises thetransverse stiffening element which comprises a diagonal stiffeningelement, a wavy stiffening element, a curvy stiffening element, or acombination comprising one or more of the foregoing.

Embodiment 11

The system of any of Embodiments 1-10, wherein energy absorber unitcomprises an opening between the outer walls and the stiffening element,and wherein said opening is filled with a filler material.

Embodiment 12

The system of any of Embodiments 1-11, wherein the barrier comprisesconcrete, metal, polymer, or a combination comprising one or both of theforegoing.

Embodiment 13

The system of any of Embodiments 1-12, wherein the energy absorber unitcomprises a polymer.

Embodiment 14

The system of any of Embodiments 1-13, wherein the energy absorber unitcomprises a weatherable coating comprising a UV absorber.

Embodiment 15

The system of any of Embodiments 1-14, wherein the energy absorber unitis formed by molding, extrusion, or a combination comprising at leastone of the foregoing processes.

Embodiment 16

The system of any of Embodiments 1-15, wherein the energy absorber unitcomprises one or both of a handle and a reflector.

Embodiment 17

The system of any of Embodiments 1-18, wherein the energy absorber unitcovers more than one side of the barrier.

Embodiment 18

The system of any of Embodiments 1-17, wherein the energy absorber unitis modular comprising more than one piece.

Embodiment 19

The system of any of Embodiments 1-18, wherein the energy absorber unitcomprises a first unit, a second unit, and a connector piece.

Embodiment 20

The system of Embodiment 19, wherein the connector piece is attached tothe first unit and the second unit with a mechanical element comprisinga connector pin, a lock and key mechanism, a tongue and groovemechanism, a bolt, or a combination comprising at least one of theforegoing.

Embodiment 21

The system of any of Embodiments 1-17, wherein the energy absorber unitis a single piece that extends over at least two sides of a roadbarrier.

Embodiment 22

The system of any of Embodiments 1-21, wherein the energy absorber unitis gangable. In other words, the energy absorber unit can be attached toanother energy absorber unit, e.g., with a hook and eye, snap-fit,tongue and groove, bolts, and other mechanisms, as well as combinationscomprising at least one of the foregoing.

Embodiment 23

The system of any of Embodiments 1-22, wherein the barrier is a curb.

Embodiment 24

The system of Embodiment 23, wherein the energy absorber unit can beattached to the barrier, mechanically and/or chemically.

Embodiment 25

The system of any of Embodiments 1-24, wherein the energy absorbersystem can help maintain control of a vehicle impacting the energyabsorber system at an angle θ that is less than or equal to 40°.

Embodiment 26

The system of any of Embodiments 1-25, wherein the stiffening elementsarc from one outer wall to the other outer wall.

Embodiment 27

The system of Embodiment 26, wherein alternating arced stiffeningelements arc in opposite directions.

Embodiment 28

The system of Embodiment 27, wherein the alternating arced stiffeningelements form a double truncated egg shape.

Embodiment 29

The system of Embodiment 28, further comprising a multiple curvestiffening element inside the double truncated egg shape.

Embodiment 30

The system of any of Embodiments 1-29, further comprising multiple curvestiffening elements.

Embodiment 31

The system of any of Embodiments 29-30, wherein the multiple curvestiffening element is located between adjacent arced stiffening elementsthat arc away from each other, and optionally wherein additionalstiffening elements are absent from between arced stiffening elementsthat arc toward each other.

Embodiment 32

The system of any of Embodiments 29-31, wherein the multiple curvestiffening element has a single sine wave between extensions thatconnect perpendicularly with the outer walls.

Embodiment 33

The system of any of Embodiments 1-32, wherein the energy absorber unithas only non-parallel elements located between the outer walls, e.g.,there are no stiffening elements that are parallel with the outer walls(no parallel stiffening elements).

The following non-limiting examples are intended to further illustratethe energy absorber systems.

EXAMPLES Simulations Example 1

A road barrier energy absorber system is analyzed for the collisionprogression, where a barrier with and without the energy absorber unitillustrated in FIG. 19 is impacted with a car weighing 1000 kg at aspeed of 50 kph and an angle θ of 20°. FIG. 24 illustrates aerial imagesof a car 62 impacting a barrier 2 that does not have an energy absorberunit located thereon. The car 62 impacts the barrier 2 in image A at atime equal to 0 seconds (sec), where images B-E show the progression ofthe collision. Likewise, FIG. 25 illustrates the aerial images of a car62 impacting an energy absorber system 64, where the energy absorberunit and barrier is that illustrated in FIG. 19. Specifically, the outerwall of the energy absorber unit is 6 mm thick and the inner stiffeningwalls are 3.5 mm thick. The car 62 impacts the energy absorber system 64in image F at a time equal to 0 seconds (sec), where images G-H show theprogression of the collision. The changing angle θ is plotted with timein FIG. 26, where the dashed curve represents the changing angle θ ofthe collision illustrated in FIG. 24 without the energy absorber unitand the solid curve represents the changing angle θ of the collisionillustrated in FIG. 25 with the energy absorber system. FIGS. 24-26clearly illustrate that a higher rotation of the car 62 is observed whenthe car impacts the barrier without the energy absorber unit locatedthereon. In this scenario, the car 62 is more likely to incur moredamage and/or overturn.

Example 2 A road barrier energy absorber system is analyzed for theimpact

load. Specifically, a barrier 2 with and without the energy absorberunit 68 located thereon is impacted with a 1500 kilogram impactor 66 ata speed of 50 kph as illustrated in FIG. 27. The outer wall of the EA is6 mm thick and the inner stiffening walls are 4.0 mm. FIG. 28graphically illustrates a force-deformation comparison of the collisionbetween the impactor 66 and barrier 2 with (dashed curve) and without(solid curve) the energy absorber unit 68, where the moment of initialimpact is depicted by location 72 on the graph. FIG. 28 shows that themaximum deformation of the barrier without the energy absorber unit isonly 12 mm and obtains a maximum force of approximately 15,000 kN,whereas the maximum deformation of the barrier with the energy absorberunit is 97 mm and obtains a maximum force of approximately only 5,100kN. These results demonstrate that the energy absorber unit 68 absorbs asignificant amount of energy, reducing the maximum force by almost threetimes. FIG. 29 illustrates the resultant deformation region 70 of theenergy absorber unit 68 after the impact and suggests that the energyabsorption capability of the energy absorber unit is likely due to thecrush capability of the energy absorber unit.

In general, embodiments may alternately comprise (e.g., include),consist of, or consist essentially of, any appropriate components hereindisclosed. The embodiments may additionally, or alternatively, beformulated so as to be devoid, or substantially free, of any components,materials, ingredients, adjuvants or species used in the prior artcompositions or that are otherwise not necessary to the achievement ofthe function and/or objectives of the embodiments.

All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and theendpoints are independently combinable with each other (e.g., ranges of“up to 25 weight percent (wt. %), or, more specifically, 5 wt. % to 20wt. %”, is inclusive of the endpoints and all intermediate values of theranges of “5 wt. % to 25 wt. %,” etc.). “Combination” is inclusive ofblends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like. Furthermore,the terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote anyorder, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to denote oneelement from another. The terms “a” and “an” and “the” herein do notdenote a limitation of quantity, and are to be construed to cover boththe singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein orclearly contradicted by context. The suffix “(s)” as used herein isintended to include both the singular and the plural of the term that itmodifies, thereby including one or more of that term (e.g., the film(s)includes one or more films). Reference throughout the specification to“one embodiment”, “another embodiment”, “an embodiment”, and so forth,means that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, and/orcharacteristic) described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment described herein, and may or may not bepresent in other embodiments. In addition, it is to be understood thatthe described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in thevarious embodiments. “Or” means “and/or” unless the context specifiesotherwise.

While particular embodiments have been described, alternatives,modifications, variations, improvements, and substantial equivalentsthat are or may be presently unforeseen may arise to applicants orothers skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims as filed andas they may be amended are intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents.

All cited patents, patent applications, and other references areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, if a termin the present application contradicts or conflicts with a term in theincorporated reference, the term from the present application takesprecedence over the conflicting term from the incorporated reference.

As used herein, approximating language may be applied to modify anyquantitative representation that may vary without resulting in a changein the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a valuemodified by a term or terms, such as “about” and “substantially,” maynot to be limited to the precise value specified, in some cases. In atleast some instances, the approximating language may correspond to theprecision of an instrument for measuring the value.

I/We claim:
 1. A road barrier energy absorber system, comprising: abarrier; and an energy absorber unit; wherein the energy absorber unitis located on at least one side of the barrier, and wherein the energyabsorber unit comprises outer walls with a stiffening element locatedbetween the outer walls.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the energyabsorber unit is 50 to 150 mm thick.
 3. The system of claim 1, whereinthe outer walls each independently have a wall thickness and thestiffening element has a stiffening element thickness and the wallthickness and/or the stiffening element thickness is 2 to 10 mm.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the outer walls each independently have awall thickness and the stiffening element has a stiffening elementthickness and the wall thickness is greater than or equal to thestiffening element thickness.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein thestiffening element comprises a transverse stiffening element, aperpendicular stiffening element, a parallel stiffening element, ahexagonal stiffening element, or a combination comprising one or more ofthe foregoing.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the transversestiffening element comprises a diagonal stiffening element, a wavystiffening element, a curvy stiffening element, or a combinationcomprising one or more of the foregoing.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein energy absorber unit comprises an opening between the outerwalls and the stiffening element, and wherein said opening is filledwith a filler material.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the barriercomprises concrete, metal, polymer, or a combination comprising one orboth of the foregoing.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the energyabsorber unit comprises a polymer.
 10. The system of claim 1, whereinthe energy absorber unit comprises a weatherable coating comprising a UVabsorber.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy absorber systeminhibits a vehicle from passing off the road or across the barrier,without rupture, at an impact energy of 300 kiloJoules.
 12. The systemof claim 1, wherein the impact speed to crush the energy absorber unitis greater than or equal to 40 to 50 kilometers per hour for a carweighing 2,500 kilograms.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the forceto crush the energy absorber unit is greater than or equal to 500kiloNewton.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy absorber unitis formed by molding, extrusion, or a combination comprising at leastone of the foregoing processes.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein theenergy absorber unit comprises one or both of a handle and a reflector.16. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy absorber unit covers morethan one side of the barrier.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein theenergy absorber unit is a single piece.
 18. The system of claim 16,wherein the energy absorber unit is modular comprising more than onepiece.
 19. The system of claim 16, wherein the energy absorber unitcomprises a first unit, a second unit, and a connector piece.
 20. Thesystem of claim 19, wherein the connector piece is attached to the firstunit and the second unit with a mechanical element comprising aconnector pin, a lock and key mechanism, a tongue and groove mechanism,a bolt, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. 21.The system of claim 20, wherein the energy absorber unit is gangable.22. The system of claim 1, wherein the barrier is a curb.
 23. The systemof claim 1, wherein the energy absorber unit can be attached to thebarrier, mechanically and/or chemically.
 24. A road barrier energyabsorber system, comprising: an energy absorber unit comprising outerwalls with a stiffening element located between the outer walls; whereinthe energy absorber unit has a size and shape to be located on at leastone side of a road barrier.
 25. The system of claim 24, wherein theenergy absorber unit has a size and shape to be located over a roadbarrier.